Disclaimer: I don't own anything except for the plot. Everything especially the characters belong to Square Enix.

Author's Note: It's been a while guys! This is part one since of Chapter 20! Enjoy the happiness while it lasts! Things are about to go down next chapter : Thank you sooo much for those that have reviewed, favourited and followed this once abandoned story! I LOVE YOU ALL! 3

POPULARITY FEUD

Chapter 20

(PART 1)

Normal P.O.V

BAM!

Everyone woke up startled, as the rays of the sun shone in through the windows. The men grunted at the sudden noise, some even pulled their blankets above their heads to get some more sleep while the others decided it was time to get up. Sephiroth looked around and saw that The Avalanche members he was with were still snoring the day away. Rude on the other hand rubbed the sleep off his eyes and looked at Sephiroth. The silver haired man stared with wide eyes at the dark skinned man. Not once in his life had he seen him without his sunglasses.

Rude grabbed his sunglasses and wore them comfortably before getting off the bed. He looked at their other two roommates and sighed. They were helpless. He looked at Sephiroth for guidance on what to do with them but the other man shook his head.

"Are you going to take a shower first or should I?" Sephiroth asked, as he walked towards their shared wardrobe.

"Anything's fine with me," Rude replied. There was a silence that filled the room, an uncomfortable silence. With Sephiroth preparing his beach shorts and Rude doing sit-ups, no one declared who would go first.

A yawn can be heard and both of them turned their heads to see who it was. The blonde man scratched his head and his tummy before looking at both of them. He raised his brow and started to wonder why there was no one in the bathroom yet.

"Why are y'all staring at me? And why is no one in the bathroom?"

Sephiroth and Rude looked at each other, hoping one of them would answer his question. The silver haired man noticed that the Turk hasn't replied, so he answered for both of them.

"We woke up just a couple of minutes ago and we had things to attend to," he replied calmly. Cid laughed and shook his head.

"Ye guys aren't plannin' on bathing together now are ye?" He asked with a raised brow and taunting grin. Sephiroth looked green with disgust and Rude glared at the man.

"I was just kiddin'! Calm yo tits boys!" He bellowed as he walked towards the bathroom with a towel hanging on his shoulder. Sephiroth shook his head with disbelief before walking outside towards his own room. He had enough and it was only 7 A.M.

The girls on the other hand, well they all woke up when they heard the noise. A particular brunette fell of her bed. Yuffie exclaimed in pain as her sheets fell on top of her, including her big fluffy blanket, courtesy of Jenova. All you could see is a big heap of sheets and blankets. It was a sight to see of course, but being awakened so early in the morning was not a regular thing for the ninja wannabe.

"Are you alright Yuffie?" Elena asked her roommate as she helped her out of the mess she was in. Yuffie nodded her head in thanks and gave her a small smile, which was returned by the blonde.

Tifa wondered what caused the noise as she looked out the window. She walked towards the door and turned the knob. Aerith tapped her shoulder before she opened the door, the woman was confused and worried. This confused the brunette.

"What's wrong Aerith?" She asked, wondering what caused her friend to be in a state of worry so early in the morning.

"Umm.. Tifa, were you planning on walking outside?" The woman before her asked, and she nodded her head.

"Yes, I was planning on checking what caused such a ruckus so early in the morning," Tifa replied with a smile.

"Ah, yes I also want to know what caused it but… were you planning on walking with your night wear?"

Tifa was confused at first, until she understood what Aerith had meant. Walking outside with a tank top and booty shorts with no bra on would surely cause alarm to most people. The men as especially. Her face went red, she gripped Aerith's shoulders and looked at her with tears forming in her eyes.

This caused the other woman to be alarmed, not knowing what she did to cause her friend to act in such a way. She was soon enveloped in a tight hug which left her breathless. Literally gasping for air.

"Aerith you are such a good friend! Thank you! You saved me from a lifetime of embarrassment!" Tifa said with a smile on her face, not knowing how purple her friend was becoming.

"T-Tifa-"

"Eyo girl! You're suffocating her!" Yuffie yelled out. Tifa, quickly let go of their friend.

"Girl, you know how strong you are compared to her," Yuffie said. The brunette apologized to Aerith, and the breathless girl forgave her. The younger woman could never understand how Aerith was so nice. She sure as heck would exact a revenge on Tifa! Probably have her dress up in a skimpy out and shooting hearts at Sephiroth. Yep, that would be the best plan ever! She thought.

Elena broke the awkwardness by rummaging through their Riviera wardrobe and found some beautiful swimsuits. Her eyes gleamed with delight and she squealed with excitement.

"OMG guys! Look! They have such nice swimsuits!" If she was allowed to take them all, she would. That's how much she loves them. The other three walked towards her and they almost fainted. It puts their swimsuits to shame, that's for sure.

She looked around, a feeling of nervousness swept around her. Tifa wore a plain crop top -courtesy of her friends- over her blue bikini. Her shorts hid the bottom part of her swimsuit. Should she take it off? Should she partake in the activities with her current outfit? Several questions flooded her mind as she flushed with embarrassment. She wasn't really planning on wearing one of the swimsuits provided by their host. If she was, she had planned on wearing the most conservative one, but Aerith had already called dibs on it.

She walked towards her fellow roommates. They had already adorned their swimsuits. Aerith was wearing a white halter one piece. It made her look radiant as ever, and her lover certainly would never take his eyes off her. Yuffie, the obdurate ninja wore a frilly two piece. This was a new sight to see since the ninja wannabe often wears boy clothing. Elena, wore a regular black and blue tankini. The tank top didn't fully cover her upper body as it showed her lower abdomen. It was more of a "Crop Tankini".

They waved at her as she walked towards them. Her cheeks still flushed and her mind undecided.

"Tifa," Aerith exclaimed. She wore a bright smile that almost equalled the sun.

"Hey girls," The brunette replied. Shading her eyes from the sun with her hand. She looked around to find the boys. A frowned formed her lips as she found that they were the first ones there. Were they that eager?

Yuffie nudged the girl and pointed her hand towards the shade where the breakfast was being served.

"Hey since the guys ain't here yet, let's eat! They might eat it all if we wait." She said with a satisfied grin. The others agreed and raced towards the steaming meals that awaited.

"Last one's a rotten egg!" Elena yelled in between laughs.

Hojo watched the girls as they playfully fought over the food. His plan was working and it pleased him to know that his efforts weren't wasted. Now if only the boys did the same. Things could turn for the better if there were no more fights between them.

Jenova appeared beside him with her hat placed neatly on her head. She wore a one piece but it was pretty provocative. She wore a black cover up over it. It definitely showed off all the curves of her body.

"Is something amiss, love?" She questioned, massaging his shoulders as well. Might as well relieve the tension that was building up there.

"No… I was just thinking of what to do to make this a success." He replied with a contented sigh. He smiled at the pleasure his wife was giving him. Little things like this is what makes him happy.

"Well you still have a ton of time," she replied with a kiss on his cheek. She looked at the girls and smiled upon seeing them wearing the swimsuits she had recently bought. She walked towards the door, turning to see her husband still contemplating about the feud.

"Are you going to stay in here or join me later in the warm waters?" She asked him with a smile. The older man laughed at his wife's antics and stood up.

"I'm coming," he replied as he walked towards her with their beach towels in his hand.

"Good," she replied with a small laugh.

"After you my lady," Hojo opened the door and when the silver haired woman walked in front of him, he smacked her rear end HARD. This caused her to jump at the sudden pain that stung her ass. She gave him a glare but he shrugged it off with a laugh and closed the door behind him.

"Good morning girls," Hojo said as he approached them. They returned the greeting while Yuffie returned it with her mouth filled with food that it came out as "gomorfin". Hojo chuckled at the sight before him and nodded his head towards the younger woman.

Kadaj happened to walk over and saw the exchange between them and his father. He scrunched his nose in disgust. He looked at the younger woman in front of him. Seeing the amount of food stuffed in her face and on her plate made him sick to the stomach. What's with her and her bottomless pit of a stomach? He scoffed, causing all of them to turn their heads towards him.

"Only you would eat like a pig so early in the morning," He said in a bitter tone, a tone which infuriated the short haired brunette. Her blood was boiling with anger. Hojo wanted to intervene but it was too late.

"Excuse ME?!" She slammed her hands on the table as she stood up from anger. The girls were interrupted from the sudden movement and had to keep their plates in check. Yuffie's appetite died down and the delicious food she was enjoying tasted disgusting towards her.

"You heard me, do you really want me to repeat it again you stupid, FA-" He was interrupted as his father stopped him from saying more. Hojo had a look of disappointment, this irritated the silver haired boy and walked away. His anger building up, not only does he have to share this place with her but he was scolded by his own father in his own home.

"I apologise for my son, he has a foul mouth and knows not what to say in front of people, especially women." Their professor apologized on his behalf, although he knew he could not take back his son's hurtful words, it was only polite to excuse his unruly behaviour.

"Don't apologize Professor, it wasn't you fault," Aerith replied with a small sad smile. He nodded and took his leave, somehow feeling that his presence was no longer needed nor appreciated. Tifa tried to place her hand on her friend's shoulder but Yuffie shrugged it off.

"I'm going to the ladies' room," Yuffie said in a low tone. They all nodded, understanding the pain she must have felt. She took off and then there was three. The girls sympathized for their friend, but they knew she would only get more upset if she looked hopeless and vulnerable in their eyes. So they set their distance for now.

They continued to eat in silence and when they finished, they went their separate ways. Elena went towards the Turks and they welcomed her back with open arms. She looked happier as she could ever be. Aerith hung out with Zack as they walked along the beach, enjoying each other's company. Zack commented on her outfit, saying that she looked beautiful and the woman blushed at his kind words. They walked, hand in hand. Tifa looked on with envy, but quickly dismissed the thought. It was unfair that she couldn't experience that with Sephiroth in this retreat since they are keeping their relationship "hidden". She sighed, admitting that she could never have that satisfaction.

Little did she know that everyone excluding a certain blond knew about their secret relationship.

She walked towards the ladies' room in pursuit of her friend who spent more than half an hour inside. One would worry if a friend who felt down in the dumps spent that much time alone. She took a turn to the left and found the path towards the restroom/ shower room. She thought carefully on what she should say to console the girl. Being so occupied with her thoughts, she failed to notice the person trailing her. She was dragged over towards the trees on the right side of the path. Hands covered her eyes.

She panicked for a moment and tried to remove the rough hands that blinded her. Was this the end for her? A laugh was heard from her captor and upon recognizing the voice, she stopped. She knew it was useless to fight knowing it was him behind her. She grinned.

"Oh my! Help! I'm being assaulted!" She feigned her cries for help, only high enough for him to hear but low enough to be kept between the two of them. The hands dropped, and she came face towards the tree. She was thinking of a way to exact her revenge, although she might just do it later.

"Well well, took you too long to show up." She remarked as she turned around to face him.

She regretted that decision as she came face to face with her lover's broad chest. She looked up to see his silver locks pulled up in a high ponytail and he chuckled at her sudden embarrassment. She blushed, from god knows what. His body, his laugh, the way he crawled under her skin. His toned abs and muscles were tempting her to jump the man in front of him and just…. well you know what I mean.

"I wanted to make a grand entrance, but I saw you walk away. I had to follow you of course," he remarked. She blushed and poked him on the chest.

"Looking like a stalker, I presume?" She giggled and he petted her head with a smile.

"I caused the helpers to question my motives. I mean look at you," He chuckled and gestured at her outfit. "You look ravishing,"

"Stop it," she said looking away as her face flushed red. Why must he make everything so difficult for her?

"I'm sorry, I jest." He replied, bending down to give her a kiss on the head and enveloping her in a hug so tight you would think they haven't seen each other in years. "I just wanted to shower you with my affections."

"Sephiroth…" She whispered and rested her face on his chest, listening to his heart beat faster. She welcomed the warmth his hug was giving her as the scent of his sunscreen filled her nose. It calmed her and soon she was almost drifting to sleep. He petted her head and leaned his back against the tree, noticing that she was relaxing in his hold. In the distance he could see Zack and Aerith playfully hitting each other with water, not caring about what's outside their world. They were together and that was their happiness.

Elena tried to flirt with Rufus, while the other turk, Tseng was displeased. Sephiroth sighed as he looked down at the woman drifting to sleep. How he longed to call her his in front of everyone, to be able to hold each other without judgement. Keeping this a secret irked him to no end, and it was for what? For whom? Ah, he remembered. It was for her dear chocobo haired friend Cloud. She didn't want to break his heart, or severe their friendship.

She didn't deserve such sadness when it was him who failed to see the love she has been throwing at his feet. He failed to see it until recently, and Tifa whose heart is still torn between the two was unable to tell him the truth. But how long should they keep it this way? He always wondered if she truly loved him.

He slid down the tree and carefully bringing her down with him. She relished the moment they shared with each other, although it was ephemeral. She remembered that her friend Yuffie was probably still inside the bathroom and her eyes opened. Waking her from the sleep that engulfed her. She had been so lost in his arms that she had forgotten all about her, silly Tifa. She looked up to find his eyes closed and his chest rose up and down in a slow rhythm. He was asleep. She wondered how long they have been hiding from the real world, she sat up and gave him a small smile. He must've been staying up all night.

She caressed his face and gave him a kiss on the lips. Just when she was about to stand up and leave, his hand caught her and brought her back for another kiss.

"Sephiroth, I have to go find Yuffie," She said in between kisses. He looked at her with a solemn look, his hand caressing her cheek, begging her to stay.

"Must you really go?" He asked, leaning in as his hot breath tickled her ears. She froze, her body felt like goo melting. He kissed her neck and his mouth slowly moves towards her lips, leaving a trail of kisses on her jaw. She gasped at the sensation, biting her lip in pleasure. His hand trailed down to her back as he captured her mouth in a heated passionate kiss.

Tongues battled against one another, wanting dominance. They tasted, explored and savoured each other as her hands crawled from his chest to the back of his neck. Straddling him, she took off the scrunchie that was holding his hair, causing his silken silver hair to cascade on his back. She played with his hair, their mouths never leaving each other, always hungry for more. His hand sat gingerly on her hips while the other caressed her thighs. She felt a burning sensation underneath. Hormones were kicking in and they were going on overdrive.

After what seemed like an eternity, his mouth left hers and towards her shoulders. God knows how they kept their clothes on as they ended their kiss. Sephiroth looked at her, his body wanting more than just kisses, but he knew that he had to stop. Tifa, still hazed from their kiss panted and gasped for air. Sephiroth brushed the stray strands from her face, her lips were swollen and her cheeks flushed. His thumb traced her lower lip causing her to look up to him, her lips unconsciously parted, waiting for another kiss. He gladly complied, but unlike the one they shared earlier, this was a soft gentle kiss. He pulled back with a smile on his face.

"Go, find your friend," He said pinching her cheek. She giggled and nodded. Standing up, she brushed off the dirt on her knees, shorts and shirt. With one last look, she gave him a smile before running off to find her ninja friend.

He watched her go as she ran towards the restrooms. He looked down, thankful that she didn't notice the bulge on his shorts. Cursing to himself, he put his hair up in a messy bun and hastily walked towards his own private quarters which was nearby to relieve himself of this mess. Curse their teenage hormones and everything that came with it.

"Yuffie?" Tifa asked at the doorway, she heard nothing so she pressed on. Walking slowly as she looked at each stall. Where could she be? As she kept on walking, she heard a faint sound. She strained her ears, hoping that she would be able to hear it again.

After a few minutes, she heard nothing, she sighed and walked back until she heard it again. She looked around and saw that the last stall was closed, cautiously walking towards it, she heard the sound getting louder and louder. Pushing the door open, she saw her friend crying at the corner hugging her legs.

The sight made the older woman's heart ache. She had never openly seen her cry before and she felt like invading her privacy but she had to help her. If she didn't then who would?

"Y-Yuffie?" She asked causing her friend to look up. Her eyes were red and puffy, had she been crying all this time? Tifa walked towards her, making sure she wasn't going too fast.

"T-Tifa?" She croaked between her sobs. When she thought she wouldn't cry anymore, tears just kept on coming. It's like a never ending waterfall. Tifa kneeled infront of her and placed a hand on her arm, trying to calm her down.

"T-Tifa!" She yelled out as she hugged her, burying her soggy face on her shirt. Stunned at the sudden reaction, Tifa didn't know what to do but pet her head. She sat down to make things easier and soothed circles on Yuffie's back. The younger woman kept on crying and Tifa could do nothing but wait and let her release her frustrations.

"It's okay Yuffie," She tried to comfort her but Yuffie shook her head and looked up, her eyes still wet from fresh tears.

"Why must he always make things hard for me?" She hiccuped. "I try to be nice, but he… he decides to be a jerk all the time!" She sobbed as tears fell from her face.

"Am I really that horrible?" Yuffie asked sincerely and Tifa shook her head. She cupped her face and dried her tears with her thumb. She gave the ninja girl the warmest and reassuring smile.

"No Yuffie, you are the strongest, stubborn, passionate and caring person I have met. You shouldn't let his words get to you. What matters most, is what you think about yourself." Tifa replied.

"Do you really think you are horrible? The Yuffie I know never backs down and always strives for what she believes in." Tifa smiled at her and Yuffie returned the gesture.

"Thank you Tifa," Yuffie thanked while wiping her eyes. "You know, if you ever have a child with Sephiroth, I think that you would make the best mother in the whole world."

"Y-Yuffie!" Tifa gasped.

"What? It's true!" She laughed at her reaction and stood up, trying to psych herself up. Tifa stood up from the damp floor and joined her. The two of them left the shower rooms feeling better about themselves. Yuffie was her usual herself but the darkness glooming over her was still there no matter how hard she tried to hide it. Tifa walked beside her with her damp clothes in hand, confidently wearing the swimsuit her friends told her to wear.

She took her own advice and prioritized herself first. Who cares what the others think about what she is wearing? She feels good about herself and that's all that matters. Yuffie nodded in approval and encouraged her to boost her confidence.

When they arrived all eyes were on them. Yuffie cartwheeled towards Cid and Barrett, their jaws dropping as they saw Tifa. Cloud who was getting ice cream from the server turned around, and the ice cream instantly fell out of his hands. Tifa giggled at the sight. She walked towards the Avalanche members and they welcomed her, Cloud blushing and the older men teasing him. She glanced over to the Populars and she found Sephiroth fuming with anger. He crushed the ice cream cone in his hand as she talked with Cloud.

She smirked, her revenge was complete. She blew a quick kiss his way and continued to talk with her fellow group members.

Sephiroth was about to catch the kiss but a certain redhead beat him to it.

"Oh Tifa! Thank you for the kiss you hot piece of -" Yazoo smacked his book on Genesis' head. He raised a brow at the man in front of him with a scowl. Genesis was glad Yazoo was wearing sunglasses. His death glare burns him more than the sun.

"I'm kidding!" Genesis tried to wriggle away from Yazoo's glare but was unsuccessful as his back met with Sephiroth's. He turned around to see his friend glaring at him as well. He definitely felt like he was in Mars now.

"You better be, Rhapsodos" Sephiroth growled, showing his annoyance to his friend. It was clear as the ocean water that Sephiroth was not happy with Tifa talking to Cloud. He wanted to smash his face in the sand and leave him to rot.

"Seem's like someone's jealous," Genesis remarked, and regretted that decision knowing that he was already walking on thin ice. He gulped and scooted away from their leader. His aura was strong enough to melt the ice creams Zack, Aerith and Angeal were eating. This did not bode well at all.

"Calm down brother, father has made plans today that includes all of us as a whole, who knows, she might not be with him all the time." Yazoo remarked from his spot that was covered by the shade. Sephiroth turned his head towards him and back towards Cloud.

"I hope not," venom dripped from his voice as he walked towards his own spot. No longer was he craving for the ice cream because he is neither hot nor cold.

to be continued...

A/N: Well there you go! I updated with a very cute chapter, there's more interaction with Hojo and Jenova in this one along with Kadaj and Yuffie. The 2nd part will be both full of joy and sadness in a sense. Once I finish Chapter 20 there will be the original ending for Chapter 21 and the Alternate Ending for Chapter 21. The Original Ending will be continued by the second segment of this series. Cheers and thank you for all the support! Without you all, I probably would have discontinued this story. Until next time!